Ten days from Stanford's opening game, questions on its offensive line are starting to be answered.

Cameron Fleming has taken the lead at right tackle over Tyler Mabry, and Sam Schwartzstein and Khalil Wilkes have been told that the center job is Schwartzstein's to lose, coach David Shaw said.

The third open spot on the line -- left guard -- isn't as clear. Presumed starter Kevin Danser remains out because of dehydration, and Shaw said the team is preparing David Yankey, who spent much of camp battling with Fleming and Mabry at right tackle, to start at left guard if necessary.

"David is sort of our utility guy," offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren said. "I'm not sure what's going on with Kevin, but right now David is taking all the reps as if he is the starter."

Shaw said he expects Danser to return in a matter of days, adding ﻿that the team is simply being extra careful because of the heat. He also said that Yankey has done a "great job filling in" and that the team could conceivably use both players.

Right tackle had been the biggest question﻿ mark. But Fleming "had less bad plays" and received a better grade after a scrimmage Sunday, putting him ahead of Mabry, Bloomgren said.

"Cam is a talented young guy. When he keeps his pads low, he can be very powerful," Bloomgren said.

Bloomgren said that he still envisions Mabry being a part of the offense, perhaps as an extra offensive lineman in jumbo packages.

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Schwartzstein took the lead at center because he did a better job understanding the offense, Bloomgren said.

"He's really been our bus driver out there," Bloomgren added.

Quarterback Josh Nunes remains out with a foot injury. Shaw said he expected Nunes to practice Wednesday, but that he wasn't quite cleared yet. Shaw admitted that the injury does hurt Nunes' chances of winning the backup job from Robbie Picazo or Brett Nottingham.

Former Stanford quarterback Tavita Pritchard, best known for leading the Cardinal to an improbable upset of No. 2 USC in his first career start four years ago, is serving as an assistant coach this season -- with the defensive backs. Shaw said that he asked Pritchard to help defensive coordinator Derek Mason before he finalized his defensive staff, and Mason wouldn't let him go.

The players have responded well to Pritchard, too, and running-back-turned-cornerback Usua Amanam credited Pritchard with helping him with the transition from offense to defense.

Linebacker Alex Debniak remains limited in practice with a hamstring injury. He wore shoulder pads and a helmet but no leg pads Wednesday.

Shaw said that Chris Owusu is the Cardinal's top kick returner, but that the team will limit his returns in an effort to keep him healthy. Amanam is currently next in line on kick return duty.